St. Johns District: 5 Things We Love

For a small-town feel plus great eats, head to this hip part of north Portland.

Established on the Willamette in the 1800s, Portland’s northernmost outpost still feels like a small town. On North Lombard Street, you’ll find vintage duds, righteous coffee, used books, and craft cocktails. Area code is 503.

1 Shutterbugs peruse the large-format camera gear and refurbished typewriters at Blue Moon Camera and Machine, then head to Cathedral Park to snap shots of frolicking dogs, hopeful anglers, and brides-to-be posing beneath the towers of the iconic St. Johns Bridge. 978- 0333, bluemooncamera.com[3].

2 The Olive & Vine is perfect for gourmets and the people who love them. Sample oils, infused vinegars, and seasoned salts or bring home a bottle of Tenuta Torre di Mossa olive oil from De Carlo, an Italian maker that started pressing olives in the 1600s. 285-2686, theoliveandvine.com[4].

3 Where does a guy get Portland’s dandified lumberjack look? The Man’s Shop has been selling button-up Pendleton shirts, Levi’s, flat caps, fedoras, classic suits, and fine shoes to men with style and taste since 1940. 286-3514.

4 Dig into some of the best biscuits and gravy north of the Mason-Dixon Line at James John Cafe. Or order the sausage and eggs and an espresso, score a window seat, and watch the world saunter by. 285-4930, jamesjohncafe.com[5].

5 The Fixin’ To serves strong drinks and Southern snacks, but those in the know carry dinner into the bar from the Pizza Contadino cart outside. Its sourdough pie, which changes with the seasons, comes topped with savories such as kale, goat cheese, and spicy sausage. 477-4995, thefixinto.com[6].

Photography by Robbie McClaran

This article was first published in January 2014. Some facts my have aged gracelessly. Please call ahead to verify information.